Prospect Talent Score

Probability of Success

History

2004-05:Hillier was selected out of the second round of the 2004 QMJHL Midget Draft by Halifax, but was sent down to junior A for the first part of his first season after not making the team out of training camp. He was recalled to the Mooseheads midway through the year when Halifax ran into injury troubles. He rotated in and out of the line-up for the remainder of the season, seeing spot duty on the fourth line, and picking up two points in 23 games. Hillier was also a participant on Team Atlantic’s bronze medal winning under-17 team in 2005.

2005-06:Hillier played a bigger role for Halifax in his second season, skating on the team’s top line, alongside overage players Rane Carnegie and David Brine. Hillier served as the playmaker on the line, with Carnegie doing much of the scoring, and Brine picking up the defensive responsibility. The Mooseheads’ first line center finished the season with 57 points in 68 games, third among his teammates. Hillier also participated in the CHL Top Prospects game, and represented Canada in the November 2005 Canada-Russia Challenge.

2006-07: Hillier continued to be an offensive threat during the 2006-07 season, putting up very similar numbers to the 2005-06 season (59 points in 70 games). An exciting offensive threat, Hillier has the ability to break open a game. Unfortunately, last season he was too inconsistent to be that kind of player day in and day out.
2007-08: Hillier’s fourth and final year with the QMJHL Halifax Mooseheads was very successful. He matured on and off the ice, playing in all situations, and consistently showing a solid effort. Hillier’s decisionmaking and team play showed that he is ready to move to the next level.

2008-09: Played 66 games with the Charlotte Checkers of the ECHL where he psoted 10 goals and 16 assists.

2009-10: Split the season between the ECHL and AHL. Playing for both the Charlotte Checkers and the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL, Hillier posted 2 goals and 5 assists in 22 games. While playing for the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL, he was held pointless in four games. Was traded to the Ducks from the Rangers in July of 2010.

Talent Analysis

Hillier has a good combination of speed and skill; he plays with a lot of energy, and shines when the puck is on his stick. He shows flashes of creativity on his play.
- ISS Scouting Report.

Hillier is a very good skater, who accelerates well, particularly with the puck. He reads plays well, and is a smart playmaker and puck handler. Conscious of the defensive game, Hillier is good at using his stick to strip opponents of the puck.
- NHL Central Scouting.

Future

A good skater, with excellent puck handling skills, Hillier will need to improve his strength.